“It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”1 Peter 4:16 (NLT)
When you stand for the truth and do what’s right, there’s no need to be ashamed or embarrassed. The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:16, “It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!” (NLT).
Let me ask you: Is an insult or a putdown going to define you? No. Is somebody calling you a name or labeling you because you’ve made a stand for Christ going to truly harm you? No. Is some troll online who’s trying to bait you and start arguments going to take you down? No.
None of these things have to control your life. In fact, none of these things have to make any real impact on you at all.
Here’s a vital truth: You don’t need other people’s approval to be happy. Understanding this truth will liberate your life.
Maybe you’ve been trying to fit in with a certain group or get the approval of a certain person for many years. I hate to tell you, but if you haven’t gotten it by now, you may never get it. The good news is you don’t need it! You don’t need anybody’s approval in order to be happy.
No matter what you do in life, somebody’s not going to like it. You can’t avoid disapproval. So if you’re going to have people’s disapproval either way, you may as well have their disapproval for doing the right thing rather than the wrong thing.
As you face opposition, remember this: If other people’s opinions matter more to you than God’s opinion, you’re going to crumble when you’re attacked because of your faith in Jesus. But if you focus on God and on what you know is right, then you can take a firm stand.
Be encouraged by these words: “Stand firm against [the devil], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are” (1 Peter 5:9 NLT).
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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